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• Some people have special situations, such as pregnancy,
mental health issues, pain, or they are in the criminal justice
system. They should work with their clinician to find the
right medication for their situation.
• Adolescents and their caregivers should also discuss
medication options with their clinicians.
Methadone
• Methadone acts as an opioid in the brain to reduce the desire
to use the problem drug. The patient taking methadone
feels normal (not high), and withdrawal does not occur.
Methadone can also reduce cravings.
• Methadone can be safely started at the beginning of
withdrawal.
• Methadone comes in a pill form, as a liquid, and a wafer. It is
taken once per day, but over time the dosing may change.
• People who are in stable recovery may be provided a supply
of medication to take at home.
Buprenorphine
• Buprenorphine also acts as an opioid in the brain to reduce
the desire to use the problem drug, which helps the patient
avoid withdrawal symptoms. It reduces powerful desires for
opioids or cravings.
• Buprenorphine comes as tablets and as film. Many versions
of this medication are combined with naloxone to prevent
possible misuse – when misused (injected, snorted, or other)
it can bring on unwanted withdrawal symptoms.
Learn more about naloxone on page 10.
• Patients should wait until they are experiencing mild to
moderate opioid withdrawal before taking the first dose of
buprenorphine.
• Insurance coverage and price may help determine which
form should be chosen. The clinician will make sure the
patient has a dosage and form that meets his/her medical
needs.
• This medication is taken once per day. The dosage taken per
day may be adjusted over time.
• Not all clinicians can prescribe buprenorphine, so it is
important to find an approved clinician who is able to
prescribe this medication.
